FAQS
When does the program begin?
The program begins in August of each year.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be e-submitted to CASPA by December 1st of each year.
How long has Ohio Dominican had a PA program?
Our inaugural class began July of 2012.
Does the Program offer tours or information sessions?
The program has frequent information sessions where a tour of our newly renovated facility is given. Information for the next session is posted on the program webpage under Graduate Open Houses.
Where is the PA Program located?
We are located on the beautiful, 75+ acre wooded campus of Ohio Dominican University. The program will be housed in Saint Albert Hall, which is undergoing design and renovation to ensure students have the most technologically-advanced, critically-designed and student-centered space optimal for learning the PA Profession. Ohio Dominican University is located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, a big city with a small-town feel. Columbus is the nation’s 16th largest city with all the benefits of a large metropolis (shopping, entertainment, diversity, ease of transportation and more) and yet it hasn’t lost that small-town, friendly feel. Ohio Dominican University is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Columbus, five minutes from Port Columbus International Airport, and 15 minutes from the most robust shopping and entertainment venue in the state, Easton Town Center.
How long is the PA Program course of study?
27 months – 15 didactic and 12 clinical.
Is ODU’s PA program accredited?
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation - Provisional to the Ohio Dominican University Physician Assistant Program, sponsored by Ohio Dominican University.
Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status. The status indicates that the plans and resource allocation for the proposed program appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards, if fully implemented as planned. Accreditation - Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status and is limited to no more than three years for any program.
How many students does the program accept?
50 qualified applicants are accepted per cohort.
How many applications does the program receive?
We received over 600 applications for the 2012-2013 application cycle.
What is the minimum GRE and GPA requirement?
The minimum grade point average (GPA) is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, especially the science GPA. We also require recent (within 5 years) scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We do accept the MCAT in lieu of the GRE. There is no minimum requirement for the GRE or MCAT. All test scores are examined on an individual basis in light of the applicant’s complete portfolio. Please note a GPA of 3.0 or higher is no guarantee of admission.
Do all of the prerequisites need to be completed prior to applying?
You may have prerequisite courses still in progress prior to apply. They must be successfully completed with a grade of "C" or higher prior to matriculation if accepted into program. Preference is given to applicants with the majority of academic work be completed prior to application.
What constitutes Patient Care Experience?
The minimum amount of patient care experience is 250 hours and is experience that involves contact with patients. It may be paid or volunteer work. Lab experience and work in a pharmacy is NOT considered patient care experience. The PA program also likes to see applicants who have shadowed PAs; however, shadowing hours are not included in total patient care experience hours. These hours are self-reported and subject to audit at the program’s discretion.
Does the Program give special preference to certain applicants?
Preference will be given to current Ohio residents, graduates of Ohio Dominican University, past or present members of the armed forces and those with significant health care experience, however none of the preceding is a guarantee for acceptance.
Does the program allow students to waive courses or have advanced standing?
Students may not waive any course within the PA program curriculum, nor does it accept students for advanced standing. This includes graduates of foreign medical schools. The program curriculum is subject to change in order to best meet the needs of the PA Profession and our students.
Will I be able to work while attending the program?
This full-time program is academically rigorous and challenging. Students are strongly discouraged from working during the program.